Santee Cooper Launches New Demand Response Program

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 3, 2022

Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, recently launched a new demand response program.

Under the program, called SmartRewards, customers can earn bill credits for helping Santee Cooper reduce electricity use during periods of high electric demand or during times when system resources are constrained.

Santee Cooper has contracted with Honeywell to install a small switching device near participants’ central heating and cooling systems and/or electric water heaters.

During periods of high demand or system constraints, the switch may be activated to periodically cycle heating and cooling systems and/or electric water heaters on and off, resulting in a reduction of electric demand.

Customers who participate in the program will earn initial bill credits for enrolling and having a switch installed, and then annually for as long as they participate.

Participation options include the following:

• Water heater: $20 installation bill credit and $15 annual bill credit.
• Heating and cooling system: $30 installation bill credit and $25 annual bill credit.
• Heating and cooling system and electric water heater: $50 installation bill credit and $50 annual bill credit.